mountain school 2018 NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE
PROGRAM REPORT
Mountain School is our 29 year-old residential education program at the Environmental Learning Center in the heart of North Cascades National Park. Over 3 days, students spend 26 hours learning about ecological communities with their classmates, teachers, and parent chaperones. Hands-on, interdisciplinary experiences connect students to the natural and cultural history of our watershed. For most, this is the first time they visit a national park, spend a night away from home, and discover the connections between their lives, communities, and the environment.
Program Goals and Outcomes SUPPORTING SCHOOLS in meeting state and national education standards
“
Two things I want to remember are the hikes we took up to the river and the tadpoles I saw when I got there. And also when I got to teach the things I knew about moss and lichen. — Keira, Winthrop
KNOWLEDGE of North Cascades ecosystems and the scientific process
“
I learned that the North Cascades are really important because they give our animals here a home and protection from predators. I say that we should take care of our environment here. — Julio, Friday Harbor
INSPIRATION to continue learning and connecting with public lands and the natural world
“
It feels good to listen to the nature. I love sitting next to the slow trickling stream and watching the water flow. As I wait to get home I think of how I need to pay attention to the things around me that are beautiful. — Patrick, Seattle
CONNECTION to nature and fellow classmates through cooperative learning
“
Yo quiero recordar las largas caminatas entre los arboles y el tiempo que pase en la orilla de la playa con mis amigos. [I want to remember the long walks between the trees and the time I spend on the shore of the beach with my friends.] — Marely, Burlington
Quotes are from student-penned postcards, written to themselves, and mailed after Mountain School.